How to protect your phone from malware

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting.

7-10 min read

Expert Verified

Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To protect your phone from malware, ensure you have a reliable antivirus app, keep your operating system updated, and avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources. Regularly review app permissions and utilize built-in security features.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before starting the process of protecting your phone from malware, ensure you have the following:

•A smartphone running a supported version of Android (8.0 or higher) or iOS (12.0 or higher).
•Access to the internet for downloading security apps and updates.
•Sufficient storage space for installing antivirus software.
•Backup important data to a cloud service or external storage.

Method 1: Install a Reliable Antivirus App

Using a reputable antivirus app is one of the most effective ways to protect your phone from malware. This method is essential for both Android and iOS devices.

•Step 1: Open the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
•Step 2: Search for a trusted antivirus app such as 'Norton Mobile Security' or 'McAfee Mobile Security'.
•Step 3: Tap 'Install' (Android) or 'Get' (iOS) to download the app.
•Step 4: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up, including granting necessary permissions.
•Step 5: Run a full scan to check for existing malware.
•Step 6: Verify that the app is running by checking for its icon in your app drawer or home screen.
•Step 7: If the app fails to install, ensure you have a stable internet connection and sufficient storage space.

For Android

Specific steps for Android devices.

•Open the Google Play Store by tapping the Play Store icon.
•Tap on the search bar at the top and type 'Norton Mobile Security'.
•Select the app from the search results and tap 'Install'.

For iOS

Specific steps for iOS devices.

•Open the App Store by tapping the App Store icon.
•Tap on the search tab at the bottom and type 'McAfee Mobile Security'.
•Select the app from the search results and tap 'Get'.

Method 2: Keep Your Operating System Updated

Regularly updating your phone's operating system is crucial for security, as updates often include patches for vulnerabilities that malware can exploit.

•Step 1: Open 'Settings' on your phone.
•Step 2: Scroll down and tap on 'System' (Android) or 'General' (iOS).
•Step 3: Tap on 'Software Update' (Android) or 'Software Update' (iOS).
•Step 4: If an update is available, tap 'Download and Install'.
•Step 5: Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
•Step 6: Verify the update by checking the version number in 'About Phone' (Android) or 'About' (iOS).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while trying to protect your phone from malware, consider the following solutions:

•Error: 'App not installed' - Solution: Ensure you have enough storage space and try to download the app again.
•Issue: 'Update failed' - Fix: Check your internet connection and try again. If the problem persists, restart your phone and attempt the update once more.
•Problem: 'Antivirus scan shows no threats but phone is slow' - Workaround: Clear cache and data from apps, and uninstall any unused applications.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For users looking to enhance their phone's security further, consider these advanced tips:

•Keyboard shortcut: Use 'Power + Volume Down' to take a screenshot of your current screen for documentation.
•Command line: Use 'adb shell pm uninstall <package_name>' to remove suspicious apps via Android Debug Bridge.
•Hidden feature: Enable 'Developer Options' to access additional security settings by tapping 'Build Number' 7 times in 'About Phone'.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

The best approach to protect your phone from malware is a combination of proactive measures, including using antivirus software, keeping your system updated, and being cautious with app permissions.